Ryan Secrest calls hosting 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' without Dick Clark 'surreal' (Video)

Ryan Seacrest will appear on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve for the first time as a solo act without his longtime friend, Dick Clark.

Clark’s April passing marked the end of an era, as the legendary television producer has brought in the New Year for just under four decades.

According to Us Weekly, Seacrest discussed what hosting tonight’s event means without his mentor on Good Morning America.

“Surreal is probably the most appropriate word. You think back 40 years ago he started the tradition . . . I not only watched him, I used to watch him and study how he hosted these shows,” he explained. The American Idol host plans to pay homage to the late icon in a portion of tonight’s event.

"He was kind of like my guidance counselor. He'd always make you feel like you were his good friend. He was like that in person as well,” he adds.

New Year’s Rockin’ Eve will see the likes of Fergie and Jenny McCarthy co-hosting, as well as performances from Psy and Taylor Swift.